Wedding dress shopping as a plus size bride

It’s understandable to be nervous, it is such an exciting thing but can be so overwhelming too.
My experience with sizing was quite negative in the shops I went to - most of them tried to squeeze me into dresses too small (I’m a 14). It baffles me that they didn’t have anything bigger to offer. I don’t want to tell you this to worry you even more but to hopefully help you make some decisions - I would contact the bridal shops in advance and ask them if they carry your size in the store - if they don’t then don’t go there! If they do then the staff can be prepared with dresses in your size and the humiliation that you are worried about won’t happen! It wasn’t every shop that had tiny dresses - you just have to find the right dress shop for you!

Wed2B do plus size dresses. I went to the one in Baker Street, London and tried on about 5 dresses. The first time I went they said I needed a size 18 (I'm usually high street size 16). I felt that the dresses were too loose around the bust area so second time I went I tried size 16 which is my usual size which fit much better. I also tried dresses at David's Bridal in Stratford.

I definitely agree that it’ll help to speak to the store in advance and make sure they carry your size.

Also think about how many people you actually want there with you. I was originally meant to have my mum, sister, aunt and 2 bridesmaids when I went to try on dresses, and honestly the thought of that was so overwhelming. I felt like I couldn’t say I wanted fewer people there. I lucked out in the end - there were train strikes on the day so only my mum and sister came, and it made me feel so much better.

I really think the first time you go, only have 1 or 2 people - after that you’ll know how you feel and can invite more if you go to look again somewhere else. Or do what I did and after buying the dress, bring a different person to each fitting.

Ring up the shop and ask them how many they have in your size and ask them not to show you anything that's too small to try on. If they are any good at their job, they should understand this. And if they don't - you probably want to cancel your appointment and go elsewhere!

You'll also need to check how many people you can bring with you - from your mention of 'family and bridesmaids' it sounds as if you are planning on bringing quite a few people. Most bridal boutiques I looked at would only allow 2 or 3 at most. And to be honest, that's a good thing, because you'll have as many opinions as you do people! Just take one or two with you, and make sure they are people you can trust to think about what YOU want, not what they would choose in your place, and also who are able to give constructive criticism (e.g. ' I don't think that style suits you as well as the other dress' instead of 'urgh, that dress is hideous'!)

Hi Ellie,


Firstly, congratulations on visiting your first bridal store in April - what a big step! I used to work as a bridal assistant at WED2B (an off-the-shelf wedding dress shop) and they do cater to plus size ranges, with the styles varying completely so lots of choice.
Although every bridal assistant is different, I found that a lot of plus size brides were put at ease when they finally got into the dressing room and were able to discuss their concerns with the assistant. I've had a few teary conversations - ones where I would cry myself - as it's a big step to take. Definitely worth checking in advance and putting your concerns forward from the start as you will likely get the reassurance you seek (and deserve) before going in.
Don't forget that your bridal party is there to make you feel good. I used to say this to all brides as it's the number one thing to remember.
The best of luck with it all, I hope you find the one! But, more importantly, have fun as this will only happen once ☺️🎉

I got my dress from Dig For Victory in Brighton and for not too much extra they will make to measure. I've gone for something none bridal but they do lovely bridal dresses too and you can get them to make them longer etc and play around with designs. Their styles are more vintage so may not be your thing but they have been absolutely brilliant. If you are not local they will do virtual consultations. My dress arrived on Saturday and I am very happy. Even better that it doesn't have a size tag in it.

I got my dress from a bridal store in my town and had the best experience as a plus size bride. Firstly I was completely honest with the bridal store when booking my appointment, I also looked on their website and picked dresses from there plus size selection and sent them on to the store and they had them waiting for me to try on. My biggest shock was when my mum picked a dress from the rail which was a smaller size and when I tried it on although it did not do up it still looked amazing. I did say yes to one of the plus size dresses though. Remember they see bodies of all different shapes and sizes and no matter what they want you to feel comfortable and confident, your friends and family will just want the same also.

View quoted message Thank you so much this is so reassuring

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I am a size 20 and I was so worried too before my first appointment. When I spoke to the bridal shop I explained I am plus size and how worried I am that I wouldn't fit into anything and they were so lovely and reassuring. They made me feel so welcome and they explained they stock up to size 32 so there would definitely be something for me. I had the best experience with them and I didn't feel at any disadvantage because of my size. One thing to mention is that bridal sizes don't match up to high street at all, so don't worry about what size you end up getting. As long as you love your dress that is all that matters. Just as an example of this, the dress I got is a size 26....I am a high street 20.

Obviously when trying on dresses you have to get down to your underwear with the bridal consultant. I was so worried about this, but the lady I had made me feel so comfortable and I honestly didn't even mind in the end. They also had sample sizes for me to try on that actually fit me properly. I wasn't squeezed into dresses that were too small. I tried on dresses that were my size and it was a great experience.

My advice is to ring up a few dress shops and explain how you feel. You will be able to tell from their response on the phone if they are inclusive with sizing. One of the bridal shops I spoke to, I just got the feeling on the phone that they weren't very inclusive of plus size, so I didn't book with them. The shop I went with I could tell straight away they were inclusive and their customer service was just amazing.

Try not to worry too much. You will have an amazing experience picking your dress

I’m a plus size bride too and I had these worries when I first started looking. Honestly, there is nothing to worry about. A lot of places cater to plus size these days and there are even plus size only boutiques out there if you would rather have that more comfortable experience of knowing you’ll definitely fit every dress there so you could always look in to those nearby to you.


I went to a plus size boutique and a ‘normal’ boutique and got my dress at the normal one. The girls in the shops are absolute experts, they wouldn’t pick something that they know you won’t fit in to and even if the dresses are a bit too small in certain areas they know how to work around that so you can still try them on. I’m a high street 20 and I really loved my dress shopping experience. There was only one dress I couldn’t get on and that’s cos the sleeves were too tight to get on and even the woman said the sleeves are so small compared to the size of the dress.
I also went in to dress shopping with the intention of hiding all my flaws and covering my flabby arms up and having a floaty dress to hide my belly and I’ve come out with a sleeveless dress with a beautiful cinched in waist that makes me look like I’ve got a flat belly! Just go and have a fun day with your people that you feel very comfortable with and will give you honest feedback. You will look beautiful 🤩

View quoted message Absolutely love this ♥️ thank you so much

Hello congratulations!! This is so exciting!


Please do not worry! I also had those thoughts and worries and actually wanted to put off buying a dress until I lost weight but also had to be realistic haha! I tried wed2be to start as they do different sizes that you can properly try on and see what style you like and even take home on the day! I didn’t find the dress in wed2be so was feeling a bit disheartened and panicked and was googling frantically then I actually did find the one the next day at a lady’s shop that caters for plus size ladies! Where are you based if I can ask? As maybe look around on Google etc there are many plus size bridal shops (I rang many as I was panicking) I found a lovely lady in Worthing that has sizes up to 32 and it was the best experience that you could try dresses in your size or above and have it clamped to actually see what the dress will look like on you! Also this was made to measure so there were no set sizes as it was completely custom to you and could alter etc! And also seamstresses are magic and can alter to whatever you need! I hope this helps and I’m sure you’ll look lovely and be able to find something you feel amazing in! 💗